Olympique Lyonnais is going through a period of reconstruction as goaltender, exacerbated by the imminent departure of Lucas Perri to Leeds United. Although this transfer represents a financial opportunity for the club, estimated at EUR 16 million, it raises concerns about the management of funds and requires a search for a successor in a constrained budgetary context. Several tracks are being considered, including Rui Patrício, an experienced Portuguese goaltender without contract, and Ricardo Silva, FC Porto player. OL is also exploring a loan from Lorenzo Torriani to AC Milan, while seeking to unlock the funds related to the transfer of Perri by cancelling an agreement with Nottingham Forest. Internally, Mathieu Patouilla, appreciated by fans, is also mentioned, although he is not considered to be the holder despite a strong season in National.

In parallel to these challenges, OL managed to extend its partnership with Groupama Stadium until 2030, an encouraging news after a period of uncertainty. This decision, welcomed by Groupama, is evidence of the club’s financial stability. In addition, OL is expected to recover all of Lucas Perri’s transfer compensation through a complex financial operation in 2025. This manoeuvre, which allowed OL to become 100% owner of Perri, could earn 18 million euros, including bonuses.

The club is about to play a 120-minute training game against Hamburg, which is preparing for the takeover of Ligue 1 on 16 August. Coach Paulo Fonseca, after starting the season without being able to intervene on the bench in France due to a suspension, will be able to resume his duties in this game. The situation in the post of goaltender remains uncertain, with several players competing for the title, including Mathieu Patouilla, Rémy Descamps and Justin Bengua. The search for a new goaltender is therefore a major project for OL in the coming weeks.